Italian Lakes & Swiss Alps Tour 12 – 23 September 2015
The first group photo as we head into Italy! Our longest tour and some have already said our best yet!
“Hi John and Jen, we think this was the best tour we have done with you. The scenery was breath-taking. The roads were unbelievable. We had a great time and lots of fun. The hotels were good as was the food. Good group of people too. Many thanks & keep up the good work!” Stuart and Val Heath (5th & 4th trips), Kawasaki Versys 1000, Stoke on Trent
 We start with a briefing at Caen |
 Our first stop – for waterproofs! |
“Hi John and Jen, as you know this was our first bike tour and we just wanted to say that we picked a ‘goody’ for our first tour! We were both hugely impressed with Bike Normandy! Your meticulous research and attention to detail was evident right from the start. Stunning scenery, fantastic roads, great hotels, good food and a cracking group of people what more could you ask for? … Oh yes technical riding and lots and lots of twisties!! We loved every minute rain included! Thank you so much we will definitely be back for more. All the best” Paul & Louise Saltwell, Yamaha Tracer, Guernsey
We always regroup before & after any section of motorway
“Hi John & Jen, this trip was my first proper European tour. What can I really say, except ‘Fantastically Fabulous’. The trip for me was all about Switzerland and the Italian lakes – it did not disappoint. The roads and routes chosen were fantastic, flowing, and at times just sublime passing through beautiful and stunning scenery. The constant back-drop of the Alps with their snow capped peaks and vibrantly green valleys was just breath-taking; Every twist and turn on the beautifully surfaced and flowing roads opened up another stunning view, real ‘WOW’ moments.
From the pretty little towns and villages to the vertigo-inducing drops into the gorges below the alpine passes, to the stunningly coloured lakes and dams, every twist and turn produced another jewel for the memory and photo album.
The hotels chosen for our stop-overs were exceptional, well-appointed and run by very friendly, welcoming and efficient staff (your painstaking research really paid dividends). The days off, or optional ride-outs were well planned and catered for all tastes, with a good mix of sight-seeing, local trips or shopping etc; Whether that was tobogganing (as some chose) or taking the Bernina Train to the end of the line (as I did) taking in the stunning views as it climbed and descended the Alps from Switzerland down to Italy.
I hope to join you on this tour again…this really was/should be your flagship tour. I will most definitely be joining you again in the not too distant future on another tour or shorter trip. Kindest regards” Andy Dunmore, 2nd trip, VFR 800, West Sussex
 Our “back-markers” Tim & Karen (“Flo”) |
 Terrace & pool at our first hotel |
“Hi John/Jen, yet again we had a brilliant time on the tour, and even though this was the first one – it went as smoothly as any of your others. We liked having the stop-overs for more than one night in the hotels and the choice of ride out or being a tourist, with camera in hand – assuming you don’t drop it! The routes you had painstakingly researched along with the scenery really made this tour a bit special, and there is nowhere else like Switzerland for these roads and amazing scenery. I posted a number of pictures and some said I had “Photoshopped” them, but they are untouched. Every hotel was very good – comfortable and quiet. Can’t think of any negatives from the trip – even the wind and rain couldn’t put a dampener on it! All the best” Dave & Traci Wakefield (8th trips), Triumph Explorer, Crewe, Cheshire
“Hi John & Jen, the adrenalin level has just about come back to normal after the Lakes & Alps trip. This was my first proper European tour and started with the big one. My decision, along with Brian & Rob, was justified. It taught me a whole lot about motorcycling and myself and I learned it in the company of those who knew what they were doing. The back drop of Europe at its most splendid was almost an added bonus. The trip was well researched, well organised and professionally executed and all without getting too serious. It was first & foremost good fun. Many thanks, & we’ll be back. Regards” Chris McMorran, BMW K1300R, Twickenham
 The lounge area in the hotel |
 Drinks before dinner |
| “Hi John and Jen, well what can we say – this tour was just brilliant and more. Breathtaking scenery travelling along a variety of superb twisties, hairpins, fast sweepers and lakeside routes, we just didn’t know where to look next as the views were stunning both sides! The hotels were fantastic – particularly if ‘one’ was treated with executive suites, studios and waterbeds (that nobody believed so we had prove it, eh Jen?)! [there is no favouritism for room allocation – honest! J&J] The food was a great choice and the waistline expanded far too much. The ‘Day Off’ trips just proved that you can have as much fun and experience the BN European Tour to the full off the bikes too (can’t believe that Glacier, the Funicular or the Toboggans) – just a great mix. We both had such a great time, thoroughly enjoyed back marking for you and met new friends that we plan to come back to Bike Normandy with – so that says it all for me. Regards” Tim Hale (14th trip) & “Flo” Karen Reeve (3rd trip), Honda VFR1200, Bognor Regis | |
 Cheers! |
 Dinner is included our first night |
| “Hi John & Jen, we really enjoyed the trip. The hotels were all excellent, scenery fantastic and a great group of people that made the tour really enjoyable. Although the weather could have been better, it didn’t spoil our holiday at all. Best wishes” Andy & Jane Hood (2nd tour), Triumph Explorer, Leighton Buzzard
“Hi John & Jen – it was a brill tour & we will be back! Best wishes” Mark & Karen Hughes (4th trips), Aprilia Tuono V4, Westport Lake |
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“Hi John and Jen, thanks for another great tour, shame about the weather but just enough sunshine to recognise the potential for it to become your flagship tour with stunning scenery, some fantastic hotels and truly technical riding. I hope to get on the helicopter experience over the Eiger and Jungfrau glaciers next time! As always, a great bunch of people and hope to see them again on future tours.”
Dave Cockburn (4th trip), Ducati Monster, Mold
“Thanks John and Jen for a wonderful tour, I had a great time and hope I will be able to join you on a future tour.” Matt Brown (1st tour), Pan-European on loan as own BMW had broken-down!
A dry day – all the bikes outside our hotel
 Always a morning briefing before we set off |
 The bikes stuck behind a tractor |
 Morning coffee stop |
 We pass through lovely villages |
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 Bikes parked up at lunch |
 Scenic lunch stop |
 “Ducati” Dave, Karen & Mark at lunch |
 A deviation send us across a viaduct |
 Our second hotel at Annecy |
 Drinks before dinner |
 A free night to explore the old town |
 Tim chooses a quirky restaurant |
 Menu with local specialties – in shoes? |
 Tim’s singing in the rain! |
 Torrential rain during the evening |
 The rain has gone so we have a bright start |
 Late for the briefing Matt gets his first yellow card! |
 Lovely scenery this morning |
The group at lunch stop |
 The home of the St Bernard |
 Where Jen meets a real one |
We then head into Italy taking motorway to our third hotel – staying here two nights
 Dinner is included tonight |
 We dine in the hotel restaurant |
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 Drinks on the terrace after dinner |
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| The next day is a day off the bikes | |
 The view over Lake Maggiore from our hotel |
 Take a boat trip to the islands |
 Visit the Isla Madre – the largest island |
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 Explore the back streets |
 And shelter from the rain! |
 Move on to the Isla Bella |
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 Visit the Borromees Palace |
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 Take in the gardens as well |
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 Resident white peacocks |
 Waiting patiently for lunch |
 As viewed from the islands |
 Alright for some! |
 The hotel pool |
 Jen braves the cold water! |
 Dave enjoys a beer or two…or three…or… |
 While Andy W files his nails! |
 The view as we walk into town |
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Lake Maggiore
 A free night to explore the town |
 Val & Stuart thought they had escaped ! |
 The next day we take the ferry |
 Dave’s not happy – it’s raining again! |
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 Just what is Traci doing ??? |
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 Lunch is alongside Lake Como |
 The rain provides for very atmospheric scenery |
 Plenty of cafes to choose from |
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 Fuel stop before heading into Switzerland |
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 Poor visibility as we tackle hairpins |
 For experienced riders only |
 You MUST be capable of riding hairpins |
 Wet roads as we pass St Moritz |
 We arrive at our next hotel for 2 nights |
 Drinks before dinner |
 Dinner is included tonight |
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 We enjoy fab steaks |
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 Ken manages to scrounge two desserts! |
 Breakfast area in our hotel |
 Our hotel for two nights |
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 The view from our hotel |
 Cute resident miniature goats |
 On our day off some of the group head out to ride the Stelvio Pass  A Bernese Mountain Dog in the cafe en-route |
 Unfortunately more wind & rain |
 Twisty enough? |
 This is not for the feint-hearted |
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 They made it! |
The same day others choose to walk to the Glacier nearby
 Sue points the way! |
 Stunning scenery |
 The backdrop is almost unreal! |
 Posters show how far the glacier has receded |
 Tim & Karen at 1950 |
 Karen & Mark at 1960 |
 Even more stunning as we near the Glacier |
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 Jane & Andy at 1970 |
 Andy D at 1980 |
 Jen at 1985 |
 Matt at 2000 |
 Sue & Ken at 2005 |
 We climb over rocks to get closer |
 Matt lends a hand |
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 The 2015 marker ! |
 Fortunately there’s a bridge |
 We reach the Glacier – absolutely amazing! |
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 Mark & Karen |
 We made it too! (Chris, Rob & Brian gave up too soon!) |
 Mark & Matt get closer |
 The girls don’t want to get wet! |
 A fissure in the Glacier |
 Tim doesn’t hang around… |
 Nor does Mark! |
 Sue & Andy D still taking photos |
 Back to Tim’s coffee lounge ! |
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 We then take the Bernina Express |
 Ticket is included during our stay |
 We take another train – right to the top |
 Ticket also included |
 The opposite train descends |
 The viewing area and cafe |
 The view from the top |
 The weather turns to rain |
 Almost a dry day! |
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 Drinks before dinner |
 Dinner is included again tonight |
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 Ken wears a 20 yr old JW Eggleton t-shirt! |
 Another lovely morning |
 The bikes park in garages underneath |
 Always a morning briefing |
 Dry roads this time as we pass St Moritz |
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 More twisty passes |
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 At morning coffee |
 Take the ski-lift up… |
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 And the toboggan run down! |
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 Tim in disguise!! |
 The brave ones ! |
 Dave W goes first |
 John’s next |
 Andy H |
 Followed by Brian |
 Matt goes next |
 Followed by Dave C |
 Rob’s next |
 Then Chris |
 Tim with Karen – who’s afraid of heights! |
 Sue’s apprehensive… |
 But gets down safely |
 And finally Jen |
 All the bikes |
 At lunch Jane & Andy enjoy soup in a bun! |
 As do Karen & Tim |
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 We arrive at our next stop |
 Our hotel for three nights |
The stunning evening view over the lake
 Rob, Brian & Chris on the terrace |
 Tables reserved for dinner |
 Dinner is included our first night |
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 Breakfast in the conservatory |
 A day off – Dave W leads a ride-out |
 Jen rides & John goes pillion! |
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 Photo courtesy of Andy Dunmore |
 We visit the Trummelbach Falls |
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 Dave C with cake – again! |
 Coffee & cakes before our visit |
 Those of us who rode to the Falls |
 Take the train half-way up |
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 The fantastic falls inside the mountain |
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 The corkscrew |
 Stop for the local traffic |
 John’s pillion all day! (thanks Louise!) |
 We ride to Grindelwald for lunch |
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 Views of the Eiger & Jungfrau |
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 For the first D&T Tour… |
 Andy W presents Dave & Traci with a bell! |
 Another lovely evening |
 Drinks on the terrace |
| On the first day off some took the hop-on/hop-off paddle steamer around the lake, visited other waterfalls, took the steam train up the mountain – there’s lots to do in the area | |
 Photo courtesy of Tim Hale |
 Another of Tim’s photos |
 Geissbach Falls – thanks Tim |
 The hotel swimming pool |
 A free night – some find a pizzeria |
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| The next day we offer a guided ride-out to take in some of the famous passes in the area – and we get sunshine when it matters most!!!! | |
 A glorious morning view from the terrace |
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 Beautiful view of the lake |
 The group on the Grimsel Pass – hurry up Andy D there’s blue sky!! |
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 Music in the cafe |
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 Ducati Dave |
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 More glorious scenery on the next Pass |
 Paul & Louise followed by Dave |
Simply stunning!
 Amazing views – photo courtesy of Andy Dunmore |
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 The “WOW” factor! Photo courtesy of Andy Dunmore |
 More hairpins |
 We ride this next… |
 Cobbled pass!! |
 Dave & Traci |
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 Chris |
 Pretty lunch stop |
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 Andy & Jane, David C, Paul & Louise |
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 The second time we ride this Pass |
 This time the glaciers are visible! |
 Paul & Louise again |
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Wow, what a view!
We did say you would ride this Pass
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 Chris behind Brian |
You WILL ride loads of hairpins
 Back at the hotel… |
 Jen tries out Tim & Karen’s water bed!!!! |
 Drinks on the terrace |
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 Another lovely evening view over the lake |
 Our morning briefing before we leave Switzerland |
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 Coffee stop |
 Lunch stop |
 Afternoon coffee in Chamonix |
 With fab views of Mont Blanc |
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 Our next hotel back in France |
 Drinks outside – a free night |
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 Lunch the next day – raining again |
 Our final hotel |
 Drinks before dinner |
 Paul & Louise |
 Val & Stuart |
 Ken with Jen |
 Matt, Rob & Brian |
 Dinner is included our last night |
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 As excellent back-markers Tim thanks “Flo” for keeping him on track! |
 Tim had a f*ck for a duck, a duck for a f*uck and a f*cked up duck!!! |
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 Stuart tells the first of many jokes |
 Oooh Cyril…. |
 Andy D knew it was a marrow!!! |
 Jen takes a turn |
 Then Matt tells a story… |
 Dave W goes next |
 Ith it Dithco?? |
 Breakfast on our last day |
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 Coffee stop |
 Lunch stop |
 Where Andy D has the largest baguette! |
 Strange cows!! |
 And the zoo’s in town |
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 So cute ! (Thanks Jane!) |
 And that’s all folks! |
We’d like to thank everyone for making this, our first Italian Lakes & Swiss Alps Tour, such a huge success, we couldn’t have wished for it go any better than it did. Great riding in what were at times challenging conditions to say the least – but the sun did shine as the photos prove – and as Dave Wakefield says – they have not been photoshopped! A fantastic tour which will be hard to beat, we’re already looking forward to doing it again next year!